Andrew + Kate Wedding at the Cotton Mill in McKinney, TX

One of the biggest honors a photographer can ever receive is photographing a wedding of another photographer. Seriously, it's one of the highest compliments we can ever receive in our industry!!

So when Kate contacted Stephen and I about photographing her big day, we were floored, excited, and so pumped. She and I went to JBU together and even graduated a semester apart from each other in college with degrees in photography, so seeing her again was so good. Knowing only Kate, when we met Andrew, Stephen and I both felt such peace and happiness about how they complimented each other. These two just overflow with the love of Christ (and a love for puns :) ), and I can't wait to see what God holds for their future. Here's how the day went from our lenses' point of view...

The whole day took place at the beautiful Cotton Mill (the staff and building were both AMAZING). It was pouring rain at the beginning of the day, and was supposed to be rainy the whole day, but that wasn't going to stop us from having a happy afternoon!

After details were captured, I hung out with the ladies in the bridal suite. Before we knew it, Kate was slipping into her dress (the back of it was my favorite!!). She looked SO beautiful.

Just because you're the bride doesn't mean you can't help with a little hairstyling here and there! :)

All dressed up and ready to go!

The rain in the forecast called for 90% chance of rain all morning and afternoon, but magically right around the time Kate put on her dress, the rain CLEARED UP. Stephen told me the news right before we were about to work on her bridals. It was stunning outside, and Kate being willing to put her dress through rain puddles made her the ultimate bride. :)

Have I told you how much I just love the back of this dress?? Kate pulled it off SO well!

Love that classic "Kate" laugh. :)

After bridals, we did a Daddy-Daughter first look. Don was so stunned by how beautiful Kate looked; the reality and joy of the day slowly began to sink in as they got closer and closer to hugging each other. <3

Love this photo Stephen captured (cue me crying just looking at it)!

While Kate was getting ready, Stephen was spending time with Andrew getting a few shots of him in one of the warehouse areas of the venue. What a handsome groom!

You could see Andrew's face light up when he started reading the card from the future Mrs. Parrish. :)

Before we knew it, it was time for the first look. Oh my goodness, they were both SO excited to see each other!! When I told Kate if she peeked out from her hiding place that she could see her groom, the joy of just seeing him from a distance was a priceless reaction. Their first look was one for the books!

Of course if the bride gets to spin and show off her dress...

...then the groom gets to as well! :)

Love this open warehouse at the venue! The wedding party joined us up here for some fun photos before the ceremony.

Then, it was time for the ceremony!! The hall was so beautiful decorated; the silhouetted lighting with candlelight and lanterns made for a romantic atmosphere. You could tell Kate and Andrew's hearts were both beating wildly as Kate and her daddy made their way down the aisle.

After their officiant said some encouraging words and the vows/rings were exchanged, the couple invited their friends to take communion with them. As they lit their unity candle, the elements were passed, and you could feel the presence of the Lord there at their ceremony. What a wonderful way to spend the first moments of marriage!

And just like that, they were Mr. and Mrs. Parrish!!

I couldn't help but share this fun family photo taken right after the ceremony! :)

I even got a photo with the bride (I couldn't help but share, how often is it that the mother of the bride suggests getting a photo together)!! This family spoiled Stephen and me through and through. :)

Then it was time for the reception. As Kate and Andrew made a receiving line that dismissed their guests to cocktail hour, they entered this magically decorated room. One of my favorite details was the plates for the meal; each one was a thrifting find, so every plate was a little different in pattern and design than the other! How cool is that??

Dinner was eaten, speeches (funny and touching) were made, and PLENTY of dancing was had. This is a group of friends and family who really know how to celebrate!

The amount of candles in the room... Beautiful!!

Now the tosses were a whole new level of awesome. Kate's maid of honor/sister ended up getting hold of the bouquet, which made for some happy and fun laughter!! Andrew had no problems getting the garter, but it did take a time or two to finally get it flung into a single guys' hands! The whole place was cracking up with each toss! Third time's the charm, right? :)

This, by far, is the coolest exit I have ever photographed. Before the wedding day, there was a great debate on what the item of choice for the exit was going to be, and the bride and groom settled on the best item ever: toilet paper. I'm not kidding. And it was awesome. In line with Kate's alma mater with their famous Toilet Paper game, and Andrew's knack for a good pun, it was the perfect choice. :)